Uncover YourGerman AncestryUsing Genealogy Records

Explore your German American ancestry in over 2 billion genealogy records.

Trace your German American ancestry in over 2 billion genealogy records. Our German genealogy records will help you add more than just names and dates to your family tree. Discover stories of the daily lives of your German family through:

Over 30 German-language newspaper titles

World’s largest obituary collection online

327+ years of U.S. newspaper coverage

Become a member today for immediate 24/7 unlimited access to a wealth of German genealogy records and trace your German-American family history.

America has long been a prized destination for immigrants—and now that GenealogyBank has its German American newspapers collection, it will be a coveted research destination for all researchers of German heritage, including myself!"
– Mary Harrell-Sesniak, professional genealogist

Search our expansive collection of German American newspapers to discover the details about the daily lives of your ancestors.

German immigrants played a leading role in the history of the United States, leaving behind more descendants than any other single ethnic group. Most German immigrated to North America between 1820 and World War I. Between 1840 to 1880 German immigrations made up the largest group of U.S. immigrants. The lives of these German immigrants were documented in newspapers and various record lists. Our vast collection of over 7,000 U.S. newspapers, plus thousands of historical documents and books provide extensive coverage of the day-to-day lives of our Germanic ancestors from the 1600s to today.

Begin tracing your German heritage in popular German language newspapers and historical publications from across the United States. Search your German family name, dates, or keywords. Or browse German marriage records, obituaries, passenger lists, and other genealogy records to get started.

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